Are you looking to recreate the iconic Olive Garden salad dressing at home?
Let me tell you, I was too…so I created to copycat recipe that matches perfectly to what I have AT the restaurant!
This delicious dressing has become a favorite for many, and luckily, it can be easily replicated in your own kitchen.
With a few simple ingredients and some quick steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your own homemade version of this delicious dressing, perfect for livening up your salad greens!
How to Make Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian dressing mix
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-step process
Step 1
Start by assembling all the necessary ingredients for the Olive Garden Salad Dressing.
Step 2
Combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
This will create the seasoning blend for your dressing.
Step 3
Add the extra-virgin olive oil, mayonnaise, white vinegar, and fresh lemon juice in a separate bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
These are the base components for the dressing.
Step 4
Carefully pour the seasoning blend you prepared earlier into the wet ingredients.
Ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 5
Whisk the ingredients together in the bowl, or tightly seal the jar and shake well.
This will emulsify the dressing and ensure a smooth, homogenous texture.
Step 6
Taste your dressing and make any necessary adjustments to the flavors.
If you find the dressing too tangy, add a little more mayonnaise, or if you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, add more minced garlic.
Step 7
This Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe pairs well with various green salads, Italian-inspired salads, or the classic Olive Garden Salad.
Enjoy!
Side Dishes for Olive Garden Salad Dressing
When enjoying a delicious salad with Olive Garden Salad Dressing, you’ll want to pair it with some equally scrumptious side dishes that complement the flavors of the dressing.
Here are some tasty options to consider:
Pasta e Fagioli
This classic Italian dish, featuring pasta and beans, is a wonderful accompaniment to your Copycat Olive Garden Salad.
The hearty flavors of the Pasta e Fagioliblend well with the tangy and savory salad dressing, creating a perfect combination on your plate.
Garlic Breadsticks
No Olive Garden-inspired meal is complete without their famous breadsticks!
Soft, garlicky, and buttery, they’re the ideal addition to your salad bowl.
Together with the endless salad, these warm breadsticks round out the meal, ensuring every bite is a pleasure.
Parmesan Risotto
If you’re craving something warm and comforting to pair with your cool, crisp salad, try making a simple Parmesan risotto.
This creamy and cheesy dish adds a touch of luxury to your meal and balances out the fresh, zesty flavors of the Olive Garden Salad Dressing.
Remember, when trying these side dishes, feel free to experiment with new flavors and ingredients to make the meal uniquely yours.
Enjoy!
Ingredients Substitutes
When preparing your Olive Garden salad dressing, you may want to use alternative ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or if you’re missing a specific ingredient.
Here, we will share a substitute that you can consider to create a delicious salad dressing.
Kosher Salt
Instead of regular table salt, you can use kosher salt for a different texture and flavor.
For every teaspoon of table salt, substitute with 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt.
It is essential to adjust the quantity since kosher salt usually has larger crystals and a milder flavor than table salt.
How to Store Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Storing your copycat Olive Garden Salad dressing properly is essential to maintain its creamy texture and delicious taste.
Here are a few simple tips on how to store your dressing to prolong its freshness:
Mason Jar
Using a mason jar is a classic and efficient way to store your homemade dressing.
Ensure the jar is thoroughly cleaned and dried before transferring the dressing into it.
Close the lid tightly, as a well-sealed jar helps keep the dressing fresh for longer.
Airtight Container
An alternative to the mason jar is an airtight container.
Choose a container made from glass or food-grade plastic that has a tight-fitting lid.
This will help protect your dressing from absorbing any unwanted odors and maintain its quality.
When making the copycat Olive Garden Salad dressing, you’ll combine ingredients such as tablespoons of mayonnaise, black pepper, and other elements of the Olive Garden Salad recipe.
Once mixed, transfer the dressing directly into your chosen storage container to minimize exposure to air and potential contamination.
Consider using a nutritional calculator to ensure the most accurate representation of the dressing’s nutritional value.
This can be particularly helpful if you’re monitoring certain nutrient intakes or following a specific diet.
Remember, to get the best results when storing your homemade Olive Garden Salad dressing, place the tightly sealed mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator.
Chill for at least an hour before using it, as this helps in melding the flavors together and enhances the taste.
Properly stored dressing can last for up to three weeks in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve your salad, simply shake or stir the container to combine the ingredients and pour over your salad.
Enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Olive Garden Salad Dressing:
Inappropriate lettuce choice
While your Olive Garden Salad Dressing will work on many types of lettuce, using an iceberg lettuce mix is the most authentic choice to achieve the real Olive Garden salad experience.
The right lettuce will provide a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and crunch, along with your dressing.
Inaccurate measurements
When it comes to making a delicious Olive Garden Salad Dressing, the precision of measurements is important.
Pay close attention to the ratios of all ingredients, particularly when dealing with ½ teaspoons or other small amounts.
Incorrect measurements can lead to an unbalanced, overpowering, or bland dressing.
Not using fresh ingredients.
Another common mistake is using stale or expired ingredients in your Olive Garden Salad Dressing.
Fresh ingredients can greatly enhance the overall taste and texture.
Ensure all herbs, oils, and vinegar are good quality and not past their prime.
Rushed preparation and serving
To achieve the best results, make sure to let your Olive Garden Salad Dressing rest for a short time before serving it on your salad.
This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a cohesive and delicious dressing.
Avoid tossing the dressing on the salad too early, as it can result in soggy, wilted lettuce and croutons.
Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
- 1 small bowl
- 1 Separate bowl
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian dressing mix
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Start by assembling all the necessary ingredients for the Olive Garden Salad Dressing.
- Combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.This will create the seasoning blend for your dressing.
- Add the extra-virgin olive oil, mayonnaise, white vinegar, and fresh lemon juice in a separate bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid.These are the base components for the dressing.
- Carefully pour the seasoning blend you prepared earlier into the wet ingredients.Ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Whisk the ingredients together in the bowl, or tightly seal the jar and shake well.This will emulsify the dressing and ensure a smooth, homogenous texture.
- Taste your dressing and make any necessary adjustments to the flavors.If you find the dressing too tangy, add a little more mayonnaise, or if you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, add more minced garlic.
- This Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe pairs well with various green salads, Italian-inspired salads, or the classic Olive Garden Salad.Enjoy!
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